HomeMy WebLinkAbout09.08.25Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the Planning Commission for the City of St. Joseph met on
Monday, September 8th, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the St. Joseph City Hall opening with the Pledge of
Allegiance.
Planning Commission Members Present: Commissioners Keith Louwagie, Jon Hazen, Andrew Mooney,
Mark Thompson, Isabella Margl
Staff Present: Nate Keller
Public Comments: None
Agenda Review & Adoption: Thompson made a motion to approve Agenda Review & Adoption. The
motion was seconded by Mooney and passed unanimously.
New Business
5a. Interim Use Permit renewal 110 College Ave N (public hearing)
Novak Rentals, LLC is requesting an Interim Use Permit renewal for residential rental at 110 College Ave
N which is zoned B-1 Central Business District. Keller explained the surrounding uses, and future uses of
the adjacent properties.
Hazen opened the public hearing.
No one spoke at the hearing.
Hazen closed the public hearing.
Thompson made a motion to approve resolution PC2025-019 and add language approving the IUP
for five years. The motion was seconded by Thompson and passed unanimously.
5b. Interim Use Permit renewal 13 Ash Street East (public hearing)
Novak Rentals, LLC is requesting an Interim Use Permit renewal for residential rental at 13 Ash Street
East which is zoned B-1 Central Business District. Keller outlined the surrounding uses, and future uses
of the adjacent properties.
Hazen opened the public hearing.
No one spoke at the hearing.
Hazen closed the public hearing.
Thompson made a motion to approve resolution PC2025-020 and add language approving the IUP
for five years. The motion was seconded by Margl and passed unanimously.
5c. Interim Use Permit renewal 29 Ash Street West (public hearing)
S&S Properties, LLC is requesting an Interim Use Permit renewal for residential rental at 29 Ash Street
West which is zoned B-1 Central Business District. Keller outlined the surrounding uses, and future uses
of the adjacent properties.
Hazen opened the public hearing.
No one spoke at the hearing.
Hazen closed the public hearing.
Thompson made a motion to approve resolution PC2025-021 and add language approving the IUP
for five years. The motion was seconded by Hazen and passed unanimously.
5d. Conditional Use Permit — Indoor Cannabis Cultivation (public hearing)
Daniel Clark is proposing to utilize approximately 3,322 square feet of the former Sunset Manufacturing
building owned by Cory Ehlert and located directly South of the Wobegon trailhead. The growing
operations would be conducted entirely on the interior of the building with no exterior signage or
improvements proposed.
The facility will have fans with charcoal and HEPA filters and be fully sealed, so no air is exhausted
outside. All waste will be handled through compost methods and carbon filters to control any odor.
Parking generated by the use will be handled by the existing parking area at the exterior Northern area of
the building.
Staff outlined the conditions that are recommended and included in the resolution.
Hazen opened the public hearing.
Daniel Clark owner of Green Cross, C-Corp spoke to his request and answered numerous questions from
the Planning Commission. Cory Ehlert owner of the subject property building, also spoke to the request
specifically explaining the layout of the building and how the space is separate from other portions.
Hazen closed the public hearing.
Mooney made a motion to approve resolution PC2025-022 with the following conditions added to
the resolution: if the facility is expanded by 25% or more a new C.U.P. would be triggered, security
cameras installed, trash shall be composted on -site and gate to trash area is locked and always
secured. The motion was seconded by Louwagie and passed unanimously.
Old Business
6a. Chicken Ordinance draft (public hearing)
Keller continued the discussion from July's meeting. Keller highlighted what was added since the last
meeting which included language tied to:
• Keeping the Coop in good repair
• Runs cannot be constructed out of unfinished, chipped, decayed, material
• Eliminating the R-2 zoning district.
The Commission had feedback on:
• Setbacks for the Coop — to match accessory structure setbacks
• Discussion on lot coverage
• Discussion on total detached structures and max number of detached structures
Hazen made a motion to approval the ordinance resolution with the following additions: editing
the language to include 10.1 acres or greater, adding setback language to match detached
structure requirements. The motion was seconded by Louwagie and passed unanimously.
Other Business:
a. General Updates
Keller provided updates on: Site Plan approval for apartments off Hill St, Kuepers Platting and PUD Final
Plan application coming forward in October, River's Bend 5 approvals, Keller applying and being selected
by University of MN Extension Services to host the 2026 Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities
conference, Legislators coming on the 25th, Housing developments in the city.
Adjourn: Thompson moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:12PM. The motion was seconded by
Louwagie and passed unanimously.
Minutes approved by:
Nate Keller
Community Development Director